What To Pack
Tanzania Packing Guide by Season & Activity
1. General Packing List (Year-Round Essentials)
Travel Documents & Health Essentials
✅ Passport & Visa: Ensure at least six months of validity.
✅ Vaccination Certificate: Yellow fever may be required if arriving from an endemic country. Consider vaccinations for hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and rabies.
✅ Malaria Medication & Mosquito Repellent: Tanzania is a malaria-risk area, so protection is essential.
✅ Travel Insurance: Covers medical emergencies, lost baggage, and trip cancellations.
Clothing & Accessories
✅ Breathable Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics are best for the heat.
✅ Long-Sleeved Shirts & Trousers : Protect against sunburn and insect bites.
✅ Comfortable Walking Shoes : Essential for safaris, nature walks, and city tours.
✅ Sandals/Flip-Flops : Great for beaches and casual wear.
✅ Hat & Sunglasses : Protects against intense sun exposure.
✅ Light Rain Jacket : Even in the dry season, occasional showers happen.
✅ Swimwear : For Zanzibar, Chole Island, and lake regions.
Gadgets & Extras
✅ Camera & Binoculars : For capturing wildlife and scenery.
✅ Universal Travel Adapter : Tanzania uses Type D & G plugs (UK-style).
✅ Power Bank : Electricity in remote areas can be unreliable.
✅ Dry Bag : Useful for safaris, boat rides, and rainy seasons.
2. Seasonal Packing Guide
Rainy Season (March – May, November – December)
This is the long rain season (March–May) and short rain season (Nov–Dec). Expect humidity, heavy rains, and muddy terrain.
🔹 Clothing:
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (avoid heavy cotton).
- Waterproof jacket or poncho to stay dry.
- Waterproof hiking shoes for mud and slippery surfaces.
- Dry bags to protect electronics.
- Insect repellent & long-sleeved clothes (mosquitoes thrive in this season).
🔹 Travel Tip:
- Some roads in national parks become impassable due to mud. If on safari, opt for a 4×4 vehicle.
- The humidity is high, so pack breathable clothing.
Dry Season (June – October, January – February)
The best time for safaris and outdoor activities. Days are hot, but mornings and nights can be cold, especially in high-altitude areas like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
🔹 Clothing:
- Light layers for hot days.
- Warm fleece or jacket for chilly mornings and evenings.
- Closed-toe shoes for safaris and hikes.
- Sunscreen & sunglasses – The sun is intense.
🔹 Travel Tip:
- If you’re visiting Serengeti or Ngorongoro, bring gloves and a hat – it gets surprisingly cold at night.
- July–October is the best time for the Great Migration safari.
3. Activity-Specific Packing Guide
Safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Selous, etc.)
🌿 What to Pack:
✔️ Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive – avoids attracting tsetse flies).
✔️ Light scarf/bandana (for dust protection).
✔️ Sturdy closed-toe shoes (good for walking safaris).
✔️ Wide-brim hat for sun protection.
✔️ Warm jacket for early morning game drives (it’s cold at dawn).
✔️ Binoculars for spotting distant wildlife.
🚫 Avoid: Bright colors (scare animals) and dark blue/black (attracts tsetse flies).
Zanzibar, Chole Island & Coastal Areas
🌊 What to Pack:
✔️ Lightweight, breezy clothing (linen/cotton is ideal).
✔️ Swimwear & quick-dry towel.
✔️ Snorkeling gear (optional, but nice to have).
✔️ Water shoes (protection from coral reefs and sea urchins).
✔️ Sarong or cover-up (respectful for local customs).
✔️ Sunglasses & reef-safe sunscreen.
🚫 Avoid: Revealing outfits in towns/villages – dress modestly in Stone Town and local markets.
Mount Kilimanjaro or Hiking in Tanzania
🏔️ What to Pack:
✔️ Thermal base layers (essential for summit night).
✔️ Waterproof jacket & pants (weather can be unpredictable).
✔️ Gloves, beanie, and scarf (it gets extremely cold at high altitudes).
✔️ Hiking boots (broken in – avoid new shoes to prevent blisters).
✔️ Headlamp & extra batteries (for early morning or night hikes).
🚫 Avoid: Cotton clothing (retains moisture, making you colder at high altitudes).
Nature Walks, Wildlife Viewing & Cultural Visits
🎒 What to Pack:
✔️ Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
✔️ Lightweight clothing for daytime.
✔️ Small backpack for water, camera, and essentials.
✔️ A reusable water bottle (filtered water is recommended).
🚫 Avoid: Flashy jewelry – attracts unnecessary attention.
4. Extra Tips for Packing Smart
💼 Luggage:
- Soft-sided duffel bags are better than hard suitcases (easier for safari vehicles and small aircraft).
- Pack light! Most local flights have 15kg (33 lbs) luggage limits, including hand luggage.
💰 Money & Payments:
- Cash is king in rural areas. Carry USD & Tanzanian Shillings.
- Credit cards are accepted in major hotels but incur extra charges
Tanzania’s climate varies by region and season, so packing layers and versatile clothing is key. Whether you’re heading for a wildlife safari, beach escape, or mountain trek, this guide will help you be prepared!